Our Undemocratic Constitution: Where the Constitution Goes Wrong (And How We the People Can Correct It)Oxford University Press, 28. 9. 2006. - 272 страница Levinson argues that too many of our Constitution's provisions promote either unjust or ineffective government. Under the existing blueprint, we can neither rid ourselves of incompetent presidents nor assure continuity of government following catastrophic attacks. Less important, perhaps, but certainly problematic, is the appointment of Supreme Court judges for life. Adding insult to injury, the United States Constitution is the most difficult to amend or update of any constitution currently existing in the world today. Democratic debate leaves few stones unturned, but we tend to take our basic constitutional structures for granted. Levinson boldly challenges the American people to undertake a long overdue public discussion on how they might best reform this most hallowed document and construct a constitution adequate to our democratic values. "Admirably gutsy and unfashionable." --Michael Kinsley, The New York Times "Bold, bracingly unromantic, and filled with illuminating insights. He accomplishes an unlikely feat, which is to make a really serious argument for a new constitutional convention, one that is founded squarely on democratic ideals." --Cass R. Sunstein, The New Republic "Everyone who cares about how our government works should read this thoughtful book." --Washington Lawyer |
Из књиге
Резултати 1-5 од 48
Страница 9
... terms of the quality of government that we receive, then it follows that we should no longer express our blind devotion to it. It is not, as Jefferson properly suggested, the equivalent of the Ark of the Covenant. It is a human creation ...
... terms of the quality of government that we receive, then it follows that we should no longer express our blind devotion to it. It is not, as Jefferson properly suggested, the equivalent of the Ark of the Covenant. It is a human creation ...
Страница 11
... -American” about such a procedure. As Professor John J. Dinan has noted in his recent comprehensive study of what he terms “the American state 11 1 The Ratification Referendum: Sending the Constitution to a New Convention for Repair.
... -American” about such a procedure. As Professor John J. Dinan has noted in his recent comprehensive study of what he terms “the American state 11 1 The Ratification Referendum: Sending the Constitution to a New Convention for Repair.
Страница 12
... terms “the American state constitutional tradition,” fourteen American states in their own con- stitutions explicitly give the people an opportunity “to periodically vote on whether a convention should be called.”1 Article XIX of the ...
... terms “the American state constitutional tradition,” fourteen American states in their own con- stitutions explicitly give the people an opportunity “to periodically vote on whether a convention should be called.”1 Article XIX of the ...
Страница 25
... terms “the magnificently named 'Don Young's Way'—hint: Mr. Young, Alaska's sole House member, conveniently happens to chair the transportation committee—[and will serve as] a down payment on a billion-dollar bridge across an inlet in ...
... terms “the magnificently named 'Don Young's Way'—hint: Mr. Young, Alaska's sole House member, conveniently happens to chair the transportation committee—[and will serve as] a down payment on a billion-dollar bridge across an inlet in ...
Страница 27
... terms of what has, since 1787, become our operative understanding of republican government. We are also justifiably concerned with more practical aspects of our system as well. Thus, the second consideration involves outcomes— including ...
... terms of what has, since 1787, become our operative understanding of republican government. We are also justifiably concerned with more practical aspects of our system as well. Thus, the second consideration involves outcomes— including ...
Садржај
3 | |
11 | |
25 | |
TooPowerful Presidents Chosen in an Indefensible Process Who Cannot Be Displaced Even When They Are Manifestly Incompetent | 79 |
An Idea Whose Time Has Passed | 123 |
5 The Constitution as Creator of SecondClass Citizens | 141 |
6 The Impermeable Article V | 159 |
What Is to Be Done? | 167 |
The Wisdom of Woodrow Wilson | 181 |
The Constitution of the United States | 183 |
AFTERWORD FOR THE PAPERBACK EDITION | 201 |
NOTES | 217 |
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS | 239 |
INDEX | 243 |
Друга издања - Прикажи све
Чести термини и фразе
Akhil Reed Amar Al Gore American politics appointed argue arguments Article ballot basic believe bicameralism Bill Bill Clinton Bruce Ackerman Bush Bush’s campaign candidates citizens clause Clinton congressional consider Consti decision defend democracy democratic dent effect elec election Electoral College electoral votes equal example executive federal Federalist framers George George H. W. Bush House of Representatives impeachment important inasmuch institutions issues Jack Balkin James Madison Jefferson John judges judiciary leaders least legislation legislatures majoritarian majority ment Nixon number of votes obviously one’s percent perhaps person political system popular vote population Preamble present presidential power problem proposed ratified reason referendum regard Republican requires Richard Nixon rule Sanford Levinson serve Seventeenth Amendment simply small-state senators stitution suggested Sundquist supra note surely tenure term tion tution two-thirds U.S. Constitution United University Press veto power Vice President voters White House whole number Yale